Cui Dalin, deputy chef de mission of the Chinese delegation, told Xinhua: "We are selecting a flag bearer, not a giant."

He immediately pointed out that there are "three conditions" for a flag bearer.

"Firstly, he or she must be an established world-class athlete, a world champion for example," he said.

"Secondly, he or she must be an athlete known for a high moral standard and sportsmanship. Thirdly, he or she must be good looking."

Traditionally, China has always chosen tall men as flag bearers at the Olympic Games and Asian Games. Basketball center Yao Ming was the one to hoist the flag in the Athens Olympics in 2004.

Yao, who plays with NBA Houston Rockets, has decided to skip the Dec. 1-15 Asian Games.

Yao's national teammate teenager Yi Jianlian is widely reported to take his place. But obviously Yi, who plays with Chinese Basketball Association's Guangdong club, has not proved himself in the international arena.